When it comes to creativity,
Patty really takes the cake!

By Ann Hauprich

Those who claim you can’t have your cake and eat it, too, have likely not yet visited The Patty-Cake Shoppe on Brookline Road in Ballston Spa, New York, where couples planning receptions are cordially invited to indulge in complimentary samples before finalizing their orders.

The beautifully boxed samples are but one reason why proprietor Patty Rutland “takes the cake” (in the finest sense of the word!) when it comes to serving area clients – scores of whom have had wedding cake designs named in their honor. (To view samples, please visit www.thepattycakeshoppe.com.)

Each edible work of art is carefully preserved on film prior to delivery so that its intricate decorative details can be visually savored by showroom visitors long after the actual culinary masterpiece has been enjoyed by wedding guests. Delectable labors of love from Patty’s kitchen come in for main flavors: chocolate cake with chocolate Godiva liqueur filling; white cake with raspberry Chambord filling; lemon cake with lemon filling; and yellow cake with non-alcoholic raspberry filling.

“Wedding cakes have been a tradition for thousands of years and it means so much to know that those I make for newlyweds today will be part of their fondest memories – hopefully for decades to come,” smiles Patty. Although a quarter of a century has passed since the talented entrepreneur started designing, baking, sculpting and decorating multi-tiered cakes, she still blushes like … well, like bride … when complimented on her extraordinary confectionery craftsmanship.

“What I love most about the work I do is that I am immersed in an atmosphere of love, celebration and hope. At the time I meet couples, they radiate such promise and bliss, you just find yourself rooting for them to live happily ever after. Mine is a joyful clientele. Working with them renews my own faith and hope in the human race,” beams Patty, who has been known to pick flowers from her country garden so she could more authentically duplicate their blossoms and leaves with gum paste and food coloring.

Her quest for perfection has been rewarded with ribbons and trophies, but the mother of two insists the sweetest thanks of all can be found in the cards and letters she receives from satisfied clients. In addition to her bridal clients, word-of-mouth referrals have landed her culinary contracts from the offices of NYS Governor George Pataki and his predecessor Mario Cuomo. One of Patty’s cakes was also featured on a cover of an international trade publication.

Speaking of things international, Patty -- who is also a nurse -- will be sworn in as her community's Rotary Club president in June 2005. This leadership role will be the icing on the cake of her nearly two decades of “Service Above Self” as a Rotarian.